The Turtle Fortress and the Turtleplata in BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that is based on both offensive and defensive techniques. The tortoise is considered one of the most important positions in the art and is known as a difficult position to decipher in the hands of a master. Although at first glance it may appear to be a purely defensive posture, the turtle position can be a gateway to numerous offensive and counteroffensive opportunities. Today we’ll look at the defensive fortress that is the turtle and one of the unique submissions you can perform from this position: the turtleplata.

Understand the position of the turtle

The turtle stance in BJJ is often seen as a defensive posture, in which the practitioner tucks their knees under their body and brings their elbows closer to their knees while their hands protect their neck and head. The practitioner’s back is typically turned towards the opponent, which makes him appear vulnerable. However, when used effectively, the turtle stance can be a strategic position that allows for quick transitions, counters and submissions.

The turtle position is commonly assumed when a practitioner is defending from a guard pass or after being swept and wants to prevent his opponent from taking the back or securing a dominant position such as side control or mount. While it’s true that the turtle position can expose a wrestler to back holds, chokes, and other attacks, it also offers unique opportunities to counterattack and escape, making it a versatile position in the hands of an experienced practitioner.

Versatility of the turtle

The turtle stance, once mastered, can be a strong defensive option. Like a fortress, it allows the practitioner to remain protected while keeping the opponent at bay. Additionally, the turtle’s compact nature makes it difficult for an opponent to establish control or set up submissions without creating openings for the bottom player to escape.

From a defensive perspective, the turtle position can help you avoid giving up points in the competition by preventing your opponent from securing a dominant position. By staying mobile and keeping your elbows and knees tense, you can frustrate your opponent’s attempts to pass or submit, forcing him to expend energy while you wait for an opportunity to counter or escape.

On offense, the turtle’s stance can serve as an avenue for various attacks. Experienced practitioners use the turtle to trick their opponents into overcommitting or exposing themselves to counterattacks. One of the most intriguing offensive techniques that can be performed from the turtle stance is the Turtleplata. This submission is a variation of the omoplata, but is initiated by the turtle, making it a surprising and effective attack.

The Turtleplata: a unique presentation

The Turtleplata is a submission that combines elements of the omoplata and the turtle position. The omoplata is a shoulder lock typically applied by the guard, where the practitioner uses the legs to isolate and twist the opponent’s shoulder joint. Turtleplata adapts this concept to the turtle stance, allowing the practitioner to subdue the opponent even when he appears to be in a disadvantageous position.

To perform the Turtleplata, the practitioner in the turtle position must first identify an opportunity to trap one of the opponent’s arms. This is often possible when the opponent is trying to establish holds, control the hips, or initiate a reverse take. Once the arm is isolated, the practitioner rolls under or around the opponent while engaging the trapped arm with the leg, similar to setting up an omoplata from guard.

As the practitioner rolls, he uses his own body weight to force the opponent’s shoulder towards the mat, putting pressure on the joint and forcing the touch.

Setting up the Turtleplata

The Turtleplata can be a very effective submission, but requires precise timing and control to execute correctly. The key to setting up the Turtleplata is to trick your opponent into making a mistake or overcommitting to an attack while you are in the turtle position.

A common setup for the Turtleplata occurs when the opponent attempts to take the back by reaching out to grab the collar on the opposite side or hook the arm. While they do this, you can trap their arm by pinning it with your leg. This involves slipping your leg over your arm while maintaining a tight posture in the turtle pose. Once the arm is trapped, you can begin the somersault, using your hips and legs to twist your opponent’s shoulder.

Another effective setup is when your opponent tries to control your hips or flatten you from the turtle position. By shifting your weight and creating a small amount of space, you can bring your leg into position to trap his arm. From there, you can launch and apply the presentation.

The secret to a successful Turtleplata is to take advantage of unpredictability. Most opponents don’t expect a submission attempt from someone in the turtle position, which gives you the element of surprise. This surprise factor often leads to hesitation or a delayed reaction on the opponent’s part, giving you the upper hand in securing the submission.

Integrating Turtleplata into your game

The Turtleplata is a versatile submission that can be a valuable addition to your BJJ arsenal. If you want to add Turtleplate to your game, practice it in isolated exercises and live sparring. Start by practicing the basic mechanics of the Turtleplata, focusing on setup, roll and finishing. Once you feel comfortable with the technique, incorporate it into your sparring sessions.

It is also essential to develop the general game of the turtle position. The more comfortable you become in the tortoise position, the easier it will be to recognize and take advantage of opportunities to perform tortoise plata. Work on your ability to stay safe in the turtle pose and slowly add weapons to complete the pose.

Finally, consider combining the Turtleplata with other submissions and escapes from the turtle position. By having more options at your disposal, you can keep your opponent in doubt and increase your chances of successfully performing the Turtleplata or switching to another attack.

Conclusion

The turtle stance in BJJ is often misunderstood as purely defensive, but it can be an excellent gateway to various offensive techniques. By mastering this position, you can turn a seemingly weak position into a powerful tool to subdue even the largest and strongest opponent.

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